Joseph
Find out what resources that the school offers and if they are free or how much they cost. Also find out if when they are doing advising for their major if they will be able to meet with their advisor at anytime in the school year rather than just at advising time, check out availability of professors. Also visit the campus if possible during a normal school day this way you can meet and talk to some of the current students at that college or university to see what they like. Also if the school offers a preview day go to it. At Midwestern State all of the leaders who are tour guides are current MSU students and not faculty members so they would be able to tell you what the college is like from their point of view rather than what administrators put down on a piece of paper, in a brochure, or on a website.
Amanda
I would just tell them to find a place where the students feels they fit best. I would also tell the student to not worry about what everyone else thinks of where you go, find a place you enjoy and you think is the best for you!
Sara
Be open to every college you visit. Find one that best suits your personality and interests so you will feel like you are at home even if you are hundreds of miles away. Have fun and enjoy your time in college. It's the time of your life!
Whitney
College isn't only about getting a degree, graduating, and getting a good job. Yes, those are very importabt aspects of the college experience, but not everything of what college should be about. College should be so much more than that! College is a life-changing experience. It really teaches you about every aspect of who you are! How do you manage time? How do you study? How financially responsible are you? Do you take care of yourself? Do you study enough? Do you make time for fun? There are so many questions you could ask yourself! I think that attending college answers all the questions you have about yourself. So, in the end, college is about finding out who you are. Your mom isn't there to hold your hand, and your professors aren't there to make sure you turn in your assignments. So just be prepared of what is to come. Make sure you know what activities your college choices have to offer! The education part is important, but you have to enjoy your campus life or that education will be even harder to get when you don't feel a part of your school! Good luck!
Kaylee
Research and visit schools before attending them. Also have your financial plans in order before attending.
Victoria
Look for a school that is similar to the town you grew up in.
Ben
First and most importantly, I would say you need to vist the campus. Talk to the students in the programs you might want to be apart of. See if the size of the town suits your needs, some people prefer a large city others a more rual environment. Check for the essentials: mall, movies, bars, and other things to do when your not in school. Finally get a feeling for the people in the program you want to attend because yopu will be spending an incredible amount of time with them.
Alyssa
Many students and parents are convinced that bigger schools give a better education, but in reality it depends on the quality of the staff employed at the university. Granted, bigger school can afford to hire all doctorate professors, but in reality smaller schools can give just as good, if not a better quality of education. At a smaller school you get to know your professors especially in your specified area of study and that can be very beneficial in starting your career, also with smaller class sizes you get more individual attention to get help with something you might be having trouble with. In my opinion smaller schools are better, just the closeness of the department I am in and how much I have improved in my studies and abilities as a musician.
Janae
The biggest question on any highschool students mind: where should I go to college? My experience has been unique in that I am married to an Air Force Officer so I have been able to attend a variety of schools. I have attended a major state university, a small community college, and now a small state university. The best advice I can offer parents and students is that no matter where you choose to go, you must make the most of it, concentrate on your studies, and work on building friendships that will last a lifetime.
When selecting a school, a student must consider what they want to be when they grow up, and find a school that has a program to support that dream. Selecting a college is not about how good the football team is or how big the parties are, it is about learning to make choices that will shape you as a person. Life is a continuous learning experience and college is simply a place where you are able to grow. Remember, in twenty years the school you attended will no longer matter, but the person that you are and the things you know will be.
Barbara
The advice I would give about finding a right college is to make sure that the college has your major or something you are interested in because that is the most important thing . Also, students should consider their financial stituation they are in because you want to be able to experience the college life without worrying about financial problems. This is the time where a student will make the most mistakes, love life, and make their best friends for life. When a student leaves high school, it doesn't matter what happened then. College gives you a chance to start over and be who you are. The best advice I could give a student is to pick the college that suites you, your financial stability,distance from home, and teacher to student ratio. Those are the top four things I think you need to look at to pick the right college.